Dave Kearney claims there’s no point in aiming high at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday night.

But it’s not that the new Ireland winger has a bad feeling about the first game in a crucial Heineken Cup pool double-header against Northampton Saints.

Rather it’s his strategy on dealing with Wales and Lions sensation George North.

“We as a defensive unit just can’t afford to give him much space,” warned Kearney, who made his first Test start in the heartbreaking final Guinness series clash against the All Blacks.

“This season we’ve been working really hard at getting off the line. If we can do that and try to close the space off early that’s going to be the key.

“That’s because when he gets a bit of space and gets to use that power and pace, he’s pretty tough to stop.

“He’s very strong in the upper body and very powerful, he’s not really a guy you can go high on.

“So if you get the opportunity to get him low, in the ankle area, and get him down to ground quickly, it’s going to be an aim.”

North looked bang on form against Australia in Cardiff last Sunday. He was a sensation Down Under on the Lions tour in the summer (below), his impact captured by the inspirational snapshot of him picking up Israel Folau and charging forward.

“He’s definitely up there,” remarked Kearney.

George North (Photo: Getty)

“At the highest level and in the biggest games, the Lions and things like that, he has performed really well. He’s an unbelievable athlete.

“He’s definitely a quality player and someone we’re really going to have to watch out for.”

Kearney, 24, has gradually established himself in Leinster’s stellar backline over the past couple of years, but he admits he has to watch out for the competition for his own wing position this week.

Leinster’s back three of Zane Kirchner, Lote Tuqiri and Luke Fitzgerald took care of business against the Scarlets in the Pro 12 on Saturday but Kearney and his brother Rob want back in.

“You never are sure whether you’re going to be in the team,” said younger sibling Dave.